Wednesday, March 17, 1999 Published at 11:29 GMTUKSainsbury's phase out GM foodCustomers 'have expressed concern' over genetically-modified foodSupermarket chain Sainsbury's is removing all genetically-modified ingredients from its own brand foods.

The giant chain has joined a Europe-wide consortium of food sellers and producers, which
includes Marks & Spencer, to buy non-GM products.

A Sainsbury's spokeswoman said: "Our customers have indicated to us very
clearly that they do not want genetically-modified ingredients in their food and
we are taking steps to offer that guarantee.

"The consortium will be working with farmers and producers to find a supply
of ingredients that can be scientifically assessed to prove that they are
GM-free.

Consortium will buy only guaranteed non-GM crops

"It will be introduced into our own-brand ranges as soon as possible."

The consortium - also including French
hypermarket retailer Carrefour and Swiss, Belgian, Italian and Irish chains - aims to use its considerable buying power to break the stranglehold US GM-soya producers have on the market.

Independently tested

American soya producers have made it impossible to date to guarantee GM-free food by mixing GM and non-GM soya at source.

Around 50 own-brand products - most of them processed foods including
ready-cook meals, biscuits and tomato puree - will gradually be phased out by
June, according to Sainsbury's.

The supermarket will also submit its new ingredients for assessment by scientists at independent British firm, Law Laboratories.

The move, which Sainsbury's claims is a "world first", will also see products which could contain GM-derivatives, either
replaced with alternatives or phased out.

Friends of the Earth senior food campaigner Pete Riley welcomed the move, saying: "Companies that respect their customers' wish to avoid GM
food, and take action to give them what they want, will do better than those who
do not.

"The government should assist them by taking action to ban GM ingredients
until tests on their potential health impacts have been completed.

"Failing that, ministers must ensure that the public is warned about food
products containing any GM ingredients. Anything less will demonstrate how out
of touch the government is with the public mood on this issue."